certain opinions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain opinions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to specific viewpoints or beliefs that are not universally held or are limited to a particular group or context. Example: "In discussions about climate change, certain opinions can often overshadow the scientific consensus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

I'm supposed to have certain opinions.

The Washington Post

There is very little evidence that banning certain opinions will make them disappear.

The New Yorker

I had certain opinions which put me outside the Apprentice mould".

The Guardian - Money

Moreover, almost everybody in a company has certain opinions about how to do HR.

Harvard Business Review

Do not expect any monkey business or banners expressing certain opinions about, say, Bernie Madoff or Luis Castillo.

The New York Times

But journalists shouldn't need to hold certain opinions to gain access to detention centres offshore or onshore.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Regardless of the findings of certain opinion polls, abortion is not compatible with being Catholic.

The Economist

Regardless of whether it's true or false, propaganda has a consistent aim: to influence the target to feel a certain way or form a certain opinion about a concept or entity.

Yale University

"I think coming into the weekend that we had a certain opinion how the tyres would behave and obviously after our long runs yesterday we saw quite a big difference from that," Hamilton said.

Independent

The ultimate conclusions of the study were that there only a small amount of people with a certain opinion, but if you can strategically convert these early adopters in a society, you can have more and more people joining any movement.

Cornell University

Survation suggests: "This may be due to the fact that in marginal seats voters are by definition more volatile in changing their allegiance, but might also be partly due to the fact national polling from certain opinion polling companies underestimates the level of Ukip support (and over-estimates Conservative support).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certain opinions" when you want to indicate that the opinions are not universally shared or accepted, implying a degree of specificity or selectivity.

Common error

Avoid using "certain opinions" when referring to universally accepted facts or beliefs. It's more appropriate for matters of subjective judgment or specific viewpoints.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain opinions" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "certain" modifies the noun "opinions". As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used in English to refer to specific or particular viewpoints.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "certain opinions" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to specific viewpoints or beliefs that are not universally held. As Ludwig AI points out, it is versatile and can be used across various contexts, although it appears most frequently in news and media. When writing, remember that the phrase implies specificity and selectivity. For alternatives, consider "particular views" or "specific beliefs" to convey similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. Overall, this phrase provides a useful tool for discussing diverse perspectives in a clear and precise manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particular views

Focuses on the specificity of the viewpoints.

specific beliefs

Emphasizes the convictions held.

distinct perspectives

Highlights the uniqueness of the viewpoints.

individual convictions

Stresses personal and firm beliefs.

personal opinions

Highlights the individual aspect of viewpoints.

chosen stances

Focuses on the act of selecting a viewpoint.

favored notions

Emphasizes a preference for specific ideas.

held convictions

Stresses the persistence of the beliefs.

preconceived notions

Highlights opinions formed in advance.

peculiar ideas

Emphasizes the unusual nature of the opinions.

FAQs

How can I use "certain opinions" in a sentence?

You can use "certain opinions" to refer to viewpoints that are not universally held. For example, "While there's a general consensus, "certain opinions" still diverge on the specifics of the policy."

What are some alternatives to using "certain opinions"?

Alternatives include "particular views", "specific beliefs", or "distinct perspectives", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more formal to say "certain opinions" or "particular opinions"?

"Particular opinions" and ""certain opinions"" are generally interchangeable in terms of formality. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific context.

What does it mean when someone says they have "certain opinions" about something?

It typically means they hold specific viewpoints that might not be universally shared or accepted. It implies a degree of selectivity or uniqueness in their beliefs.